Everything you need to know about Apostille Michigan
If you are planning to live, work, study, or conduct business outside the United States, you may need to have your documents authenticated through an apostille service. An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of official documents issued by various government agencies. In Michigan, the apostille service is provided by the Secretary of State’s office, which legalizes documents for use in other countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the Apostille Michigan service. We will explain how and where to obtain an apostille, which documents require authentication, the processing time, the cost, and more.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of official documents issued by various government agencies, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, university degrees, diplomas, transcripts, and business documents. The apostille service is necessary to ensure that documents are legal for use in another country that is part of the Hague Convention.
How to obtain an apostille in Michigan?
To obtain an apostille in Michigan, you must submit your documents to the Department of State of Michigan, which is the administrative authority that authenticates public documents. Walk-ins are not accepted, so you must mail your documents to the Department of State. You must also include a completed apostille request form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fee.
Which documents require authentication through an apostille service?
Any document that is being used in a foreign country that is part of the Hague Convention needs to be authenticated through an apostille service. Examples of documents that may require authentication include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce certificates
- FBI background checks
- Corporate formation documents
- Power of attorney agreements
How much does it cost to obtain an apostille in Michigan?
The cost of obtaining an apostille in Michigan depends on the type of document and the processing time required. The standard processing time is 7 to 10 business days, and the fee is $10 per apostille. An expedited service is also available for an additional fee of $10 per document, and the processing time is 24 hours.
In conclusion, if you need to authenticate official documents for use in another country that is part of the Hague Convention, you must obtain an apostille certificate, which verifies the document’s authenticity. In Michigan, the Secretary of State provides the apostille service, which is necessary if you’re planning to live, work, study, or conduct business abroad. It’s important to note that not all documents require an apostille service, so it’s best to check with the appropriate authority before submitting any documents. With our comprehensive guide on the Michigan apostille service, you have everything you need to know to obtain your documents for international use.